BY OBAKENG MAJE
THE people of Vryburg and neighboring areas came out in numbers to experience a mouth-watering event where the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District unveil a statue of one of struggle stalwarts, Ruth Mompati.
Mompati who is a struggle icon was honoured of Friday with a statue erected at newly-built park in Vryburg.
The event was attended by dignitaries like North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo, Darkie Africa, Deputy Minister Kebby Maphatsoe and local municipality councillors.
The statue was erected at Hyes Park and Mama Ruta as Ruth Mompati is affectionately known said she feels honoured by the recognition bestowed on her.
“I am very grateful after all the recognition bestowed on me. Even though I did not achieve this alone, I feel honoured and this is only the beginning. We need to work together and make sure we take our country forward” Dr Ruth Mompati said.
Mama Ruta also remembered the struggle they went through in foreign countries. “We had the same objective, which was to take South Africa forward. We fought for freedom and democracy, so let’s not misuse it”
Mompati also encouraged the youth to use democracy wisely by going to school. She said education is the only key that can alleviate poverty and inequality.
She also remembered the late fellow struggle icons like Lillian Ngoyi and Helen Josephs.
Mompati took visitors down the memory lane by explaining how they survived during the struggle.
“We pushed each other for strength even though it was tough. One never knew who will be the next victim. We fought not only for South African liberation. We stood together to achieve this, now we handing over the baton to the youth. Now it is the time the youth stand up and be counted” Mompati said.
North West premier Supra Mahumapelo unveiled the sculpture of Mama Ruth Mompati and said that was an external memory.
“We need to draw our strength from our struggle icons like Mama Ruta. She is one of our struggle icons and we need to celebrate them while they are still alive” Mahumapelo said.
Deputy Minister for Defence & Military Veterans, Kebby Maphatsoe said even though South Africa is experiencing the violation of statues across the country, Maphatsoe said he believe the North West people will take care of Mama Ruta’s sculpture.
“We are experiencing attacks on various statues in the country currently, but that does not leave us worried because we know Mama Ruta is been celebrated by various dimension. She worked tirelessly to make sure that South Africa becomes a united country. As Nelson Mandela once said, South Africa belongs to all those who live in it, Black or White” Maphatsoe said.
The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District also unveiled the newly-built park that cost the municipality R2m.
“This park was built by EPWP employees and we really appreciate that. We will make sure the park stays clean and tidy. We will rename this park after Mama Ruta as we celebrating her life while she is still alive” Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Executive Mayor, Elvis Tladinyane said.
One of the EPWP beneficiaries Godfrey Moje (30) said he highly-appreciate the time given to them in building the park.
“We started this park from scratch as it was not in good condition. We arrived here and found it full of debris and shrubs. The money we received from EPWP was really helpful as we managed to put bread on the table” Moje outlines.
ANC North West also handed over E200 Mercedes Benz to Mama Ruta on Thursday to thank her for the contribution she made in fighting for democracy.
-TDN
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